Mumbai-based NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institution, pioneering in stem cell therapy for treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, will hold monthly out-patient consultation in Vijayawada and Hyderabad from this month. NeuroGen experts will be available for consultation in Vijayawada on June 26 and in Hyderabad on June 27.
Deputy Director and Medical Services head of the institute Nandini Gokulchandran said NeuroGen was a pioneer in bone-marrow derived (autologous) stem cell therapy in the country.
Referring to a large body of research produced by the institute, she said it had 45 scientific papers, seven chapters in International Journals to show as evidence.
Over 4,000 patients from 40 countries had visited the institute for treatment.
The institute was till recently conducting workshops for parents and professionals, but it planned to conduct monthly camps in Vijayawada and Hyderabad for the convenience of parents.
Throwing light on stem cell therapy for neurological disorders, Dr Nandini said that there were two types of stem cell therapies based on the source — allogeneic and autologous. Allogeneic stem cell transplants were stem cells derived from a donor, via bone marrow, muscle fibers, fat tissue, and some times umbilical cord blood. The donor’s blood must be matched to the recipient to ensure there is no rejection of the stem cells post-transplant. Autologous stem cell therapy on the other had involved taking the patient’s own stem cells and reintroduce them into the body. This type of therapy did not pose a risk of rejection since the cells were derived from the patients themselves.
Dr Nandini said that NeuroGen was collaborating with organisations like RaceMD of United States to extend the therapy to U.S. patients. Since the U.S. laws were extremely stringent, a facility was being planned in the Bahamas, she said.
She said stem cell therapy had to be followed up by a lot of physiotherapy and other support and that it was not a “miracle” cure. NeuroGen entered into a tie up with Nuthan Clinic and Studio on Dornakal Road here. Consultation will be held on a Sunday once in a month and those interested in making an appointment could contact Manikumar 94400 40890.
